To mobilize children with disabilities in Pakistan Niaz support, Moawin Foundation join hands

DNA

Islamabad, Jan 19: In a historic move that unfolded yesterday, Niaz Support and Moawin Foundation are pleased to announce a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at empowering children with disabilities in Pakistan. Hussain Odhwani, the Founder of Niaz Support and Admiral M. Asif Sandila, the esteemed former Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman of Moawin Foundation formalized their dedication to this noble cause by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The mission of this collaboration is to provide mobility solutions to children with disabilities, enabling them to access education and build a brighter future. Both organizations have already begun actively assessing areas across Pakistan, identifying children in need of mobility assistance. Through a joint effort, Niaz Support and Moawin Foundation will work towards providing custom-tailored wheelchairs, considering the unique needs and body measurements of each child. The ultimate goal is to foster their complete inclusion in society.

Admiral Sandila, ex-Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman of Moawin Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We believe that every child, regardless of physical challenges, deserves the opportunity to receive an education. This collaboration with Niaz Support aligns perfectly with Moawin Foundation’s vision of empowering the marginalized.”

Hussain Odhwani, Founder of Niaz Support, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “Our aim is to break down barriers hindering the education of children with disabilities. By providing them with customized wheelchairs, we are not only offering mobility but also opening doors to education and a better future.”

On January 19, 2024, the formal signing of the MOU transpired at the Moawin Foundation Head Office. Commander (R) Dr. Naeem Tariq, GM Programmes of Moawin Foundation, and Hammad Malik, Honorary Ambassador of Niaz Support, appended their signatures to the MOU in the presence of Admiral (R) M. Asif Sandila and Hussain Odhwani, accompanied by representatives from both organizations. This marks a noteworthy stride in fostering a more inclusive and accessible society for children with disabilities in Pakistan.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, has seen first-hand how UK partnerships with Pakistan are leading the global transition to green energy.

The Atlas Solar Farm, supported by the UK government’s development finance institution British International Investment, provides an additional 100 MW of clean and affordable power to over 100,000 residential consumers. In turn, this helps them to avoid 106,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per annum.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE said:

“Pakistan has immense potential to be a leader in solar, which could power the whole country. The UK is already investing in this innovation, playing a key role in a healthier more sustainable future.”

While in South Punjab, the High Commissioner met with development partners, including Maries Stopes Society, Captain (Rt) Saqib Zafar, Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, and Eng. Amir Khattak, Commissioner Multan. The UK has supported the Government of Punjab to reduce its unsustainable debt by 469 billion rupees by streamlining wheat operations and reducing liabilities by 2.7 trillion rupees through pension reform.

She also visited MG Apparel manufacturing plant, a subsidiary of Mahmood Textiles Limited, which is one of Pakistan’s biggest supporters and leading exporters of clothing to the UK. 

Pakistan is abundant in gems and minerals. We are blessed with a rich geographical landscape possessing an immense array of precious and semi-precious gemstones. Despite this natural wealth, the potential of the gemstone industry in country is unfortunately untapped and unheeded.
Empowering the gemstone sector in the country is not just about unlocking the economic potential of these precious stones but also about promotion of local craftsmen, generating job opportunities and contributing to the general progress of Pakistan.
This sector should be affiliated with sustainable development goals of Pakistan. Environmental conservation and mindful mining practices must be prioritized to ensure responsible gemstone extraction and preserving the ecological balance of the regions where these precious stones are found.

Having possession of the fifth largest reservoir of gemstones in the world, Pakistan gemstone industry has the potential to become a significant contributor to Pakistan’s economy. We export gemstones worth at least $3.7 billion annually with the largest contributor being All Pakistan’s commercial exporters Alliance (APCEA ). The existence of women in Pakistan’s Gemstone sector is next to none. A very meagre percentage of women are in this industry and this is one of most untouched industry for women to participate and earn a livelihood. APCEA has introduced an unprecedented women empowerment committee initiative for inclusion of women in this sector in 2024. With latest and suitable investment and infrastructure growth, we can increase and modernize the gemstone extraction, processing, and export capabilities, paving way for generating significant revenues. To achieve this pinnacle, Government and Private sector must come together to encourage and empower this industry.

Promotion and government assistance can create a ripple effect by bridging employment prospects at many levels from mining, polishing to supply chain, miners and lapidaries to traders and vendors. By providing training and education in gemstone extraction, cutting, and processing techniques, Pakistan can foster and enlarge a skilled workforce that enhances value to the gems and improves the quality of finished products, making them more competitive in the global market particularly advancing local communities in gem-rich regions namely KPK province, Baluchistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. We need to emphasize training and relaxed rules for export by government.
A robust gemstone industry can place Pakistan as a competitive player in the international stage. By adopting ethical mining practices, confirming transparency, and embracing quality control, Pakistan’s gemstones can attract buyers worldwide, fostering a positive image for the country in the global gemstone trade.

Conclusion:
The need to empower Pakistan’s gemstone industry is not only rooted in economic deliberations but to bring about holistic expansion. By investing in infrastructure, skill development, and sustainability, Pakistan can harness the true potential of its gemstone resources, leading to growth, job creation, and a constructive impact on relevant markets. Pakistan’s gemstone industry has the power to glow radiantly as a symbol of economic prosperity on the global stage and productive steps should be taken to make it a reality.

Ayesha Jehangir Khan
Award Winning Entrepreneur, Humanitarian
Chairperson Women Empowerment Committee
APCEA
Email: [email protected]

Meanwhile, Chinese Consul General Zhao Shirin, along with a delegation of Chinese environmental experts, convened with Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi

Abid Raza

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi engaged in a productive meeting with Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon. Discussions centered around mutual interests, emphasizing the proposed agreement between the Punjab government and Canada concerning the deployment of skilled manpower. Naqvi underscored the longstanding and robust friendship between Pakistan and Canada, highlighting the historic initiative to send young professionals to Canada for employment.

Expressing optimism, Chief Minister Naqvi disclosed that this month, a Punjab government delegation is scheduled to visit Canada for the formal signing of the ground breaking agreement. The Chief Minister believes that this accord will not only offer respectable employment opportunities to Pakistani youth but will also usher in a new era in Pak-Canada relations.

The deliberations also extended to heightened cooperation on environmental protection, particularly addressing the pressing issue of smog. Acknowledging the efforts to combat smog through artificial rain in Lahore, Canadian High Commissioner commended the significant strides made across various fields in a short span. Anticipating positive outcomes, the Commissioner expressed hope that the upcoming visit of the Pakistani delegation to Canada would further strengthen bilateral relations through increased interactions and exchange of delegations.

Chief Minister Naqvi added that the partnership aims to extend collaboration on multiple fronts. He highlighted achievements such as the swift upgrade of 114 major hospitals and the successful completion of public welfare projects ahead of schedule. Mentioning the innovative initiative of providing 26,000 electric bikes and rickshaws without interest, he emphasized the government’s commitment by imposing a ban on petrol bike purchases at the government level in Punjab.

Addressing environmental concerns, Chief Minister Naqvi outlined the installation of 5 anti-smog towers in Lahore, with the first tower expected to be operational in early February. He reassured the public that comprehensive measures were being taken to combat smog effectively. In concluding remarks, Naqvi emphasized that the Punjab government’s initiatives are geared towards providing relief and convenience to the common man, underscoring the pivotal role the upcoming visit to Canada will play in furthering bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Chinese Consul General Zhao Shirin, along with a delegation of Chinese environmental experts, convened with Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi at the Chief Minister’s Office. The primary focus of the meeting centered on devising strategies to combat the prevalent issue of smog in Lahore.

During the meeting, a delegation of Chinese experts presented a preliminary report highlighting the causes of smog in Lahore. According to their findings, factors such as unnecessary use of organic and inorganic fuels, high atmospheric humidity, household dust and gas emissions, and pollutants from coal plants in India contribute to the smog in the region. The experts emphasized a specific ratio of different elements, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen, forming the smog.

Commending Mohsin Naqvi’s proactive measures in combating smog, the Chinese experts lauded the adoption of an effective policy. Chief Minister Naqvi stressed the need for a comprehensive and robust report to guide future governmental efforts in addressing the smog challenge.

Despite school closures, a ban on crop residue burning, and reduced traffic, the persistence of smog remains noticeable. Chief Minister Naqvi expressed appreciation for the arrival of Chinese experts, anticipating a comprehensive report that would aid in tackling the issue. He emphasized the importance of understanding the factors that render smog harmful to health.

The signing of Investment Framework Agreements highlights the importance of Pakistan as gateway to Asia

News Desk

Davos: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure, a Pakistani official said on Thursday.
The development comes amid Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to Davos, Switzerland to attend 54th summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The agreements cover the development of a dedicated freight corridor, multi-modal logistics park, and freight terminals, according to a statement shared on X by Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, the Pakistan Railways secretary.
DP World, a Dubai-based Emirati multinational logistics company, will carry out infrastructure improvement at Qasim International Container Terminal, Pakistan’s leading trade gateway, as part of the project. The Emirati firm also plans to develop an economic zone near the terminal.
The agreements were signed by Pakistani Communication, Railways and Maritime Affairs Minister Shahid Ashraf Tarar and H.E Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of ports, customs and free zone corporation (PCFC) of the Dubai government.
“DP World has long standing proud presence in Pakistan witnessed by mutually rewarding engagement. Building on the unwavering trust and partnership, the two brotherly countries have decided to further consolidate the economic cooperation through landmark projects,” Tarar said at the signing ceremony in Davos.
“The signing of Investment Framework Agreements highlights the importance of Pakistan as gateway to Asia and commercial dividends associated with its strategic location.”
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who is also the CEO of DP World, said Pakistan was a growing market and they were proud of contributing to its trading ability.
“Pakistan is a growing market, and an important trade corridor to Central Asia. We are proud to have contributed to its trading ability through our operations at Qasim International Container Terminal and are honored to work with various Pakistani government organizations to develop new freight systems and with Port Qasim Authority to enhance port connectivity and investment,” he said.
“These will help serve Pakistan’s growing population, forecast to approach 300 million in the coming decade, and integrate it further into the wider region.”
For the development of the projects, DP World will act on behalf of the Dubai government, while Pakistan Railways and Port Qasim Authority will act on behalf of the Pakistan government.
The rail-based dedicated freight corridor is planned to run from Karachi Port on the Arabian Sea to the Pipri Marshalling Yard, approximately 50 km away. This will decongest the Pakistani port city of Karachi beside improving road safety. It will significantly improve efficiency, transport times and reduce the overall cost of logistics, according to Shah.
The two other inter-governmental framework agreements aim to strengthen bilateral relations in marine and logistics sectors.
Shah said a framework agreement was also signed with Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs to dredge a navigation channel. 
“This framework agreement will also see the development of an economic zone at Port Qasim, which aims to attract more than US $3 billion of foreign direct investment,” he said, adding that it aimed to maximize economic activity in Pakistan.

Saudi FM calls

on PM Kakar

PM lauds role

 of the Saudi

leadership

Centreline Report

DAVOS: Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Davos, PM Kakar’s office said on Thursday, adding the two figures reviewed “regional developments” at the meeting.
The meeting between the Saudi foreign minister and PM Kakar took place on the sidelines of the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, according to PM Kakar’s office.
It occurred hours after Pakistan said it had targeted “terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province after Tehran this week conducted an airstrike against alleged militants in Pakistan’s southwest.
“The Prime Minister underlined the strategic importance of close brotherly relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, rooted in common cultural heritage and shared interests. He emphasized that Pakistan’s desire to deepen bilateral engagement including through trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges,” PM Kakar’s office said in a statement.
“The two sides also reviewed regional developments. Prime Minister Kakar noted that close brotherly relations between the two countries were a factor of regional stability.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have deep cultural, defense and economic ties, deeply rooted in history and religion.
PM Kakar appreciated the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and underlined the highest esteem the people of Pakistan held for the leadership and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, his office said.
The Pakistan premier arrived in Switzerland on Sunday to attend the 54th WEF summit, where he was scheduled to attend three thematic events, including ‘Preventing An Era of Global Conflict,’ ‘Restoring Faith in the Global System,’ and ‘Preventing Economic Fracture.’
But, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the prime minister had cut short his visit and would return to Islamabad by Thursday night.
“He has decided to cut short his visit in view of the ongoing developments,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a press briefing.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan and the neighboring Iran are both battling simmering insurgencies along their sparsely populated border regions.
The cross-border attacks add to multiple crises across the Middle East, with Israel waging a war against Hamas in Gaza and Houthi rebels in Yemen attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea.